It’s officially FPL season and that means absurd forfeits, creative team names and feeling guilty about cheering a late Bruno Fernandes penalty. Come on, we’ve all done it.
After three gameweeks, a clearer picture is beginning to emerge as to who the must-have players could be. Last season, it was Jacob Murphy who emerged as a surprise option, but in the current campaign the likes of Jack Grealish are proving to be worthwhile transfer coups.
There’s still plenty to think about, however, and with two wildcards at your disposal, there’s still time to ensure that your Dad who still thinks Fernando Torres is Liverpool’s No.9 does not win the family league title for a third straight season.
Best gameweek to use FPL wildcard
The international break is here and, more importantly, the summer transfer window has ended. Using your wildcard now could be wise. It would be an understandable urge, but holding fire and implementing a free hit this time around may be the way forward. That way, any slight gamble taken on a now-underperforming player can be solved for at least one week whilst some much-needed points are gained.
The fixtures are also not the most suitable after the international break. In back-to-back weeks, Manchester City face Manchester United and then Arsenal, which could instantly see potential wildcard pick Erling Haaland struggle to leave his usual mark.
More factors to consider are form, injuries and how far players have travelled during the international break. Whilst it may seem tempting to jump the gun and welcome Alexander Isak into your side, for example, the last thing you want is to spend £10.4m on a player who is unlikely to start until he is deemed ready to go after missing pre-season.
So, when is the best time to wildcard? Well, gameweek six stands out. By that point, it will be clear whether a new signing can hit the ground running or if they are even in a starting role. Any lasting effects of the international break will also be known by this point and the fixtures become more routine for the likes of Haaland and Man City, while Arsenal also have an easier swing coming in October.
Joao Pedro
26
Erling Haaland
24
Hugo Ekitike
22
Richarlison
19
Chris Wood
17
After getting Haaland into your side that week, it would be an ideal time to captain the Norwegian against newly-promoted Burnley at the Etihad.
Best wildcard picks in FPL
By holding out until matchday six, several impressive options should emerge – including Isak. By that point, he should be ready to go and in a Liverpool side that already includes Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike no less. The Swede is almost a guarantee for goals and is far cheaper than Haaland or new teammate Salah, who cost £14.1m and £14.5m respectively.
Mohamed Salah
£14.5m
Erling Haaland
£14.1m
Alexander Isak
£10.4m
Cole Palmer
£10.5m
Bukayo Saka
£10m
To partner the Premier League’s record signing, getting Joao Pedro in is a must at this stage. At £7.6m, he is a bargain buy and should now start most games under Enzo Maresca following Liam Delap’s injury.
Having Ekitike, Haaland and Pedro together – albeit whilst sacrificing Isak and/or Salah – gives you three of the hottest players in the league right now and would leave room for a strong midfield.
Elsewhere, Xavi Simons at £7m is also one to watch as a player who scored 11 goals and assisted eight more for RB Leipzig last season before recently joining Tottenham. The arrival of several fresh faces in North London has thrown up some interesting FPL decisions to make, but Thomas Frank and Daniel Levy did not spend £52m on a benchwarmer, so his minutes should be secure once he settles, perhaps at the cost of Brennan Johnson.
If you’re searching for a differential, new Crystal Palace signing Yeremy Pino (£6.0m) looked fantastic off the bench in his Gameweek 3 debut, and the injuries to Ismaila Sarr and Adam Wharton mean he is almost certain to start most matches from here on out.
In defence, at least one Arsenal defender becomes a must as their fixtures turn from Gameweek 7 onwards, with Gabriel at £6.1m the safest for minutes while Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori – both £5.6m – offer a goal threat.
Continuing that theme, the obvious pick in goal is David Raya, but keep an eye on Marco Bizot at Aston Villa, who now appears to be Unai Emery’s favoured choice at just £4.5m.
